The doctor's tone remained clinical. "Just a routine health screening. I'll take a quick sample."

The realization hit Sophia like a ton of bricks, her ears ringing. William had manipulated her into coming here for an STD test. He wanted proof of what happened—or didn't happen—with Louis.

Fighting to stay composed, she told herself it was just a free check-up. No big deal.

Her face blank, she lay on the exam table. The procedure was quick—over in seconds.

As she dressed, her legs shook with rage, not fear.

"You're all set," the doctor said flatly. "Results will go straight to Mr. Brown."

Sophia walked out, choking back a scream. She sat on a bench outside, trying to pull herself together before heading back to the office.

Back at work, she quietly packed her desk into a single box.

William returned from his meeting, his eyes catching the box as he passed. His brow furrowed before he wordlessly entered his office.

Sophia steeled herself and followed him in.

"Mr. Brown," she managed, her voice barely steady.

"Get the exam done?" he asked coldly.

"I already quit," she said, voice tight. "The medical check was overkill."

William laughed darkly, lighting up a cigarette. "Who said I accepted your resignation?"

Sophia's stomach dropped.

"Sophia," he drawled, locking eyes with her. "After five years in my bed, you think you can just walk away?"

Her face remained stoic.

'Maybe I am done with her,' he thought. But her leaving on her own terms? That wouldn't fly.

"I've been assaulted," she snapped. "Why would you even want me anymore? Since when did your standards drop so low?"

His face darkened as he stood. "Where do you get off talking to me like that?"

Digging her nails into her palms, she held her ground. "What will it take for you to let me go?"

His anger suddenly shifted to a smirk. "Follow the contract."

The contract meant either paying $200,000 or staying three more months.

"After three months, you'll really let me go?"

He scoffed. "You think I can't live without you?"

Desperate to escape both him and potential revenge from Louis, she'd been planning.

"I want to transfer to a branch office for the remaining time," she said evenly. "To learn something new."

William crushed out his cigarette. "Running away? Can't stand another day here?"

"I appreciate everything you've done for me," she said hoarsely. "But whether I leave now or later, it ends the same. A branch office would make these last months easier—for both of us."

He saw through her flattery. "Appreciate what? The time in my bed? You haven't learned a thing. No progress in all these years."

"Sorry to disappoint."

"Fine," he said, leaning back and closing his eyes. "Go."

Stunned by his easy agreement, she stood frozen before turning to leave.

"Sophia," his voice was low. "This was your choice."

She met his gaze. "Don't worry. I won't cause any trouble."

"Get out."

"Yes, sir."

The next day, despite a raging fever, she got her new assignment—sales associate at a Brown Group car dealership.

'He really knows how to stick it to me,' she thought. 'Executive assistant to car salesperson—talk about a demotion.'

Heading to the dealership, burning with fever, her phone buzzed.

The headline read: "Brown Group Acquires Joy Media: CEO Celebrates Business and Romance"

The photo showed William with champagne, Joy Media's star Lily Johnson draped over him—the picture-perfect power couple.